e Most Dangerous Game RICHARD CONNELL. Suspense in a story makes you
keep reading—even when you might be scared to find out what happens next!
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Date
Class
Literary Element (page 23) Suspense
The Most Dangerous Game
RICHARD CONNELL
Suspense in a story makes you keep reading—even when you might be scared to find out what happens next! Sometimes, the author creates a threat to the central character, or raises doubt about what might happen to him or her. Authors use many devices to create suspense: sensory details that are dark or threatening, clues to something mysterious that will be revealed, character development that seems likely to lead to negative events or consequences.
A CTI V I TY
Story Excerpt
Reader’s Feelings
“… his hair was a vivid white; but his thick eyebrows and pointed military mustache were as black as the night from which Rainsford had come. His eyes, too, were black and very bright… sharp-cut nose, a spare, dark face…”
Zaroff ’s looks seem hard and mean. When he is compared to the night, he seems scary like it, too. Rainsford almost lost his life from that night!
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The Most Dangerous Game
Directions In the first column, list passages from the story that build suspense to the point where it is revealed that “the most dangerous game” is human (p. 31, column 2). In the second column, write about how you feel as you read and what questions or doubts are raised in your mind. The first row below gives an example from when Rainsford meets Zaroff.
Unit 1 The Short Story
Name
Date
Class
Reading Strategy (page 23) Making and Verifying Predictions About Plot
The Most Dangerous Game
RICHARD CONNELL
When you make a prediction about events in a story you pause and make an educated guess about what might happen next. You should base your predictions upon textual evidence or clues and your own knowledge and experience. As you read, verify whether or not your prediction is correct.
A CTI V I TY
Story Detail
Prediction
What Happened
On the yacht, Rainsford hears three shots come from the island.
We’re going to find out there’s hunting on the island because they were talking a lot about hunting earlier and because now he hears shots.
The prediction was right— the man on the island is a hunter.
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The Most Dangerous Game
Copyright© by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Directions In the first column, write a detail from the story that leads you to predict something. In the second column write your prediction and tell why you think that’s what will happen. As you read on, verify your prediction. Write about what happens. Is it what you predicted or something else? Use the first row of the chart as a model.
Active Reading Graphic Organizer Continue keeping track of predictions you make about the story, and what leads you to each prediction. Verify your predictions by recording what happens. You can use a Three-Column Table Graphic Organizer. (Ask your teacher for a copy.)
Unit 1 The Short Story
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Name
Date
Class
Selection Vocabulary Practice (page 23) The Most Dangerous Game RICHARD CONNELL Vocabulary tangible adj. capable of being touched or felt discern v. to detect or recognize, make out condone v. to excuse or overlook an offense, usually a serious one, without criticism imperative adj. absolutely necessary zealous adj. very eager; enthusiastic
E X E R C I S E A Practice with Word Parts The underlined word in each sentence below is related to a vocabulary word. Use the sentence and what you know about word parts to determine the meaning of the underlined word. Write the letter of the definition in the space. 1. The player’s zeal was obvious in the way he ran
A. near but to one side
onto the field. 2. Your point is tangential to this discussion.
B. commanding
3. The king’s imperious tone made it clear we must do
C. enthusiasm
his bidding.
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E X E R C I S E B Applying Meanings Write the word from the vocabulary box above that belongs in each sentence. 1. The wound had healed so well that even the scar was hard to 2. She practices daily because she is
about being a great dancer.
3. You are treating Jenny badly, and I will not
your actions.
4. Sadness is an abstract feeling, but a teardrop is a
The Most Dangerous Game
.
5. If you want to be a concert pianist, practicing every day is
sign of it. .
E X E R C I S E C Responding to the Selection On the back of this sheet, write a job description that General Zaroff might have written to attract a new servant to replace Ivan. Use at least FOUR vocabulary words.
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Unit 1 The Short Story
